How Technology Is Changing How We Approach Shared Decision Making in Healthcare

The move toward Shared Decision Making (SDM) is a fundamental shift in healthcare. More patients and their families are looking to move away from the traditional physician-directed model to a more collaborative partnership where patients and their doctors can make healthcare choices together. 

Recent data shows that approximately 71% of patients now prefer a shared or patient-led approach when faced with decisions about their care, and 85-92% desire involvement in emergency settings.

Yet for all the shift in preference, the implementation of SDM in practice still faces roadblocks:

Information Retention Presents Challenges for Patients

Studies show that patients typically forget 40-80% of the medical information their doctors tell them during a visit, leaving them without key data that could help them make better choices for themselves or family members.

Physician Workloads and Time Constraints Push Collaboration Aside

Provider workloads are only getting heavier, and many physicians face limited appointment times for patient interactions. This can restrict the amount of time that patients have face-to-face with their provider.

Patient Knowledge and Access Gaps Are Getting Wider

Patients and their families can have a wide range of understanding when it comes to medical and health terminology, and a short meeting with a doctor full of confusing jargon can leave many feeling helpless. Plus, 55% of patients report they would rather wait for a physician to initiate involvement in healthcare than seek it proactively.

How Recording Medical Conversations Can Break Down SDM Barriers

The need to close the gap between patient understanding and physician engagement is stark. Fortunately, modern technology is creating new ways for both parties to engage in a more collaborative relationship – and all it takes is an app!

MyDocSaid from Recorded Health puts the power of SDM in patients' hands through advanced recording and AI analysis of medical conversations. 

MyDocSaid can fully record and transcribe medical appointments, and the AI-enhanced summaries give patients access to key medical terminology and insights their doctors may not have time to discuss. 

A curated “Decision Timeline” gives patients a bird’s-eye view of their entire consultation pathway, so individuals can see how decisions are made over time – and how their engagement can play a role in a more personalized experience. 

Research shows that technology-supported SDM has the potential to increase the chances that patients will speak about their own healthcare needs proactively, and creates more space for physicians and specialists to answer questions their patients may have. 

Our internal research and experience with MyDocSaid have seen the app lead to several impressive benefits in just a short time:

1. Improved Patient Engagement and Empowerment

When patients have access to complete audio recordings, full transcriptions, and AI-enhanced care summaries, they become better informed about their health conditions and treatment options. Transparency fosters a sense of ownership that encourages patients to take an active role in their healthcare decisions.

2. Enhanced Understanding and Recall

Medical consultations can be overwhelming – and even those who have experience in the medical field can miss important details in moments of fear or anxiety. Having access to recordings and transcriptions allows patients to revisit conversations at their own pace.

3. Facilitation of Informed Decisions

With comprehensive and accessible information, patients can make more informed decisions about their healthcare. This leads to better alignment between patient preferences and chosen treatment plans, ultimately improving satisfaction and outcomes.

4. Improved Communication with Family and Caregivers

Patients can easily share recordings and summaries with family members or caregivers, facilitating discussions and support. This shared understanding helps make collective decisions that are in the patient's best interest.

5. Reduction of Miscommunication and Errors

A complete record of consultations helps reduce misunderstandings between patients and healthcare providers. It ensures both parties are aligned regarding diagnoses, treatment plans, and follow-up actions.

6. Personalized and Continuous Care

AI-enhanced care summaries provide tailored recommendations and highlight critical discussion points, ensuring patients access personalized and continuous care information. This aids in monitoring progress and making necessary adjustments to treatment plans.

7. Increased Trust and Transparency

Providing patients access to their medical interactions builds trust between patients and healthcare providers. It demonstrates a commitment to transparency and patient-centric care.

The Future of Shared Decision Making Is Here

The ability to record and analyze medical conversations is just one step of many toward more patient-focused care. Yet it’s a large one, and by creating a way for patients to take more control over their healthcare, MyDocSaid and similar technologies become tools for better outcomes.

Recorded Health is committed to continuing our research into how specialized, AI-empowered technology can enhance shared decision making – as well as a host of other key patient-provider interactions. Our hope is to create a future where every medical decision reflects both clinical expertise and patient values. 

Download MyDocSaid today and see firsthand how capturing your healthcare conversations can enhance your ability to participate in key medical decisions – and give you peace of mind at each stage of your wellness journey.